Ryan Seacrest's name will be in lights when he helps the ball drop this New Year's Eve.

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ABC announced it has renewed the unflappable American Idol host's contract to continue co-hosting its annual New Year's Eve special while also deciding to include his name in the title.  Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest will air live on December 31 at 10PM ET.

"The name change of the program to Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest reflects the success of the co-hosting responsibilities of one of America's most time-honored traditions," said executive producer Orly Adelson.  "We are thrilled to extend Ryan's contract as co-host of the 'party of the year' with Dick."

Ringing in 2009 will mark the fourth consecutive year Seacrest has helped helm the New York City festivities along with Clark, who began hosting the show in 1972.

"Watching Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve is an American tradition," said ABC Entertainment president Stephen McPherson.  "Ryan has been a tremendous part of the show the last couple of years and we're thrilled he'll be part of it for years to come."

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve is produced by Larry Klein, with Clark, Seacrest and Adelson serving as executive producers.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
Christopher Rocchio is an entertainment reporter for Reality TV World and has covered the reality TV genre for several years.